Optimizing Fuel Cell System Power Using Fuzzy Logic Based PID Controller

This study aims to develop an optimized power control strategy for fuel cell systems. The strategy focuses on adjusting the system's net power using a classical feedback controller while optimizing the oxygen excess ratio (λ_o₂). Ensuring the optimal λ_o₂ value is essential in all operating conditions to avoid performance degradation due to oxygen deficiency and to prevent unnecessary energy consumption caused by excess oxygen. A data-driven reference generator is designed to produce the optimal λ_o₂ reference value. A fuzzy logic based PID controller, offering flexibility for nonlinear system dynamics, is used for λ_o₂ control. Additionally, a feedforward controller is added in λ_o₂ control to reduce the coupling effect related net power. The proposed control strategy was tested on an open-source fuel cell model, achieving a decoupling effect on λ_o₂ response with negligible impact on power performance. The effectiveness of strategy was further validated using a model-derived efficiency expression